Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Ellis.
Michelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story like a lot of folks has had it’s twists and turns. But I think the current turn I am on is a good one. My background is in sales and marketing, but faith was calling me to do more. That more was to start a non-profit organization that would allow me to give back to the community. For several years I have been volunteering with an internationally known awards show that honors mostly celebrities. While this is great, I felt it was necessary to spotlight and honor exceptional youth. Thus The YOU Awards International non-profit organization was born.
These young people that we honor may not necessarily be major celebrities (at least not yet), but they are doing amazing things in the community. They have started non-profits themselves, run their own successful for-profit businesses and are at the top of their game in various areas across the board. I am a person who always sees the good in people and enjoy celebrating it. I thrive on positivity!
Once I had the idea about what I wanted to do, I pulled together an amazing board that would help me fulfill the vision. We are working on year number 5 currently and there is no stopping us. Year to date we have had civil rights leaders, news anchors, actors, community leaders, radio hosts and business leaders all come out and support our efforts in the community. It does my heart good to see everyone coming together each year to uplift our youth.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part the road has been smooth, but that’s not to say that we haven’t had our challenges as an organization. Whenever anyone tries to do something in life you face some sort of struggle. But you just have to focus on what you are trying to accomplish and keep going.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
The YOU Awards International non-profit organization is an organization that recognizes exceptional youth between the ages 10-22. These young people are the best of the best. Each year we raise funds and give it to them and create a huge awards show event to celebrate them in the process. Honorees are selected by the community, teachers, coaches and parents. As a board we vote on the nominees and select an honoree for each of our seven different categories. These categories include business, academics, sports, community service, entertainment, fine arts, and technology. I am most proud of the fact that we are celebrating our future leaders and the community is right there showing support.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2020 YOU Awards International event which will be held in March 2020. Visit our website to learn more and submit your exceptional nominee today!
What were you like growing up?
When I was growing up, I was involved in everything. I loved being around people and just enjoyed life. I was in gymnastics, ran track, played in the marching band, modeled and did some acting in plays and TV commercials to top it off. LOL! My parents provided my siblings and I with the best life they could and I am very thankful for that today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youawardsinternational.org
- Phone: 404-906-5783
- Email: mellis@youawardsinternational.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/youawardsinternational/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/youawardsinternational/
- Twitter: twitter.com/YouAwardsIntl
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
